WESTFIELD: It is with heavy hearts that the extended Gelinas-O’Neill family shares in the sudden and unexpected passing of their beloved Brian Paul Gelinas at his residence in Sterling, VA, on February 4, 2026. Hailing from Westfield, MA, Brian was born March 25, 1989, youngest son of Ronald and Margaret (O’Neill) Gelinas. Brian’s lifelong commitment to “Honor, Serve, Protect”, commenced with childhood friendships soaring above his family’s backyard trampoline in the midst of “Whip City” and culminated with a distinguished career protecting the world’s second largest office building across the Potomac in D.C. A 2007 graduate of Westfield Vocational Technical High School, he concentrated his studies in carpentry and was a wide receiver on the football team. Soon thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force – Military Police, and spent time abroad via active deployment to Afghanistan. However, it was a bootcamp incident during his final “physical fitness endurance exam” that further defied a testament to his persona of commitment, courage, and strength. In the torrential rain and dark of night, our beloved superhero severely sprained his ankle at the onset, yet still persevered to conquer the challenging terrain. Upon completing his commitment to the service and being awarded with an Honorable Discharge in September 2014, Brian embarked on additional excursions via civilian status as a safe keeper of U.S. Air Bases located in both Kandahar and Qatar. Brian eventually settled in the greater Capital Beltway area of Washington, D.C., and had a distinguished career as an Electronic Technician for M.C. Dean, a design-build and systems integration corporation for complex, mission-critical organizations. He took great pride in the service that he and the rest of his small team provided at “The Pentagon” along with the optimum level of security that he was entrusted with, albeit, top secret in nature!

In addition to his parents, Brian leaves his brothers and best friends, Matthew Gelinas of Russell MA, and Adam Gelinas and his spouse Jake Waterman of Agawam MA; aunts and uncles, Suzanne and Claude Demers, Cynthia Gray, Pamela Miarecki, Marsha Mahdy, Richard Gelinas, John and Patricia O’Neill, Maureen Rohan, William Rohan, Daniel and Erika O’Neill, as well as his cousins, Joshua Gelinas, Michael Gelinas, Ryan Gelinas, Kyle Lewis, Nicholas Gray, Christopher Demers, Michelle Ledger, Tara Rohan, and Jim Rohan. Brian was predeceased by his grandparents Paul Gelinas, Barbara (Boucher) Noel, John and Janice (Rust) O’Neill, as well as his cousin Jessica Gray.

Despite relocating to the D.C. area, Brian remained loyal to his favorite hometown teams and was an avid fan of the Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox! A devout family person, he made frequent trips back to celebrate holidays, partake in vacations, and individual milestones for those closest to him. There was always an extra special “air of excitement” when word spread that Brian was back in the “413” amongst his entire family and close circle of lifelong friends. “Hey Mate”, your seat that you shared so valiantly with all of us at the grandest stage in our time together may be empty for now; however, your everlasting spirit filled with an unwavering love that you instilled in each of our hearts will thrive on until we unite again! Rest in eternal peace our dear Brian Paul!

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke with a Eulogy concluding the calling hours.Burial at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial contribution on behalf of Brian to Project New Hope, Inc., 70 James St., Suite 155, Worcester, MA, 01603 www.projectnewhopema.org.